New CEO says 'hiccup' won't stop Nevele

KINGSTON — The Nevele's new CEO says she isn't letting the recent controversy surrounding the casino contender's previous CEO slow down the project.

James Nani

KINGSTON — The Nevele's new CEO says she isn't letting the recent controversy surrounding the casino contender's previous CEO slow down the project.

Kathi Meci stepped into the role as CEO of the Nevele Resort, Casino and Spa last week after Michael Treanor resigned amid criticism from local officials.

In a phone interview Monday, Meci said the "hiccup" won't stop the Nevele for competing for one of the four highly sought after gaming licenses the state's gaming commission will award this fall.

In fact, Meci was getting ready Monday morning to fly out to meet with a potential operator for the Nevele, one of "two or three" that Nevele has been in talks with. Meci declined to name the operator or where they were based.

Treanor stepped down Thursday on the same day a New York Post story ran saying he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge against his sister in May 2007 in Manhattan. A civil suit was later filed by his sister that ended in a monetary settlement.

David Runciman, director of the Nevele's owner Claremont Partners, said details about the assault were disclosed publicly years ago and that the reemergence of the issue had the hallmarks of a "smear campaign" by one of Nevele's competitors.

Although Treanor isn't CEO, he'll be advising Meci as the process moves forward. Treanor says he'll also remain with Claremont.

As for Meci, she's no novice in the casino world. Her resume touts expertise in the mechanics of running a casino from training to management and information systems. She's worked on the pre-opening planning and development teams of Wynn Macaau in China, Wynn Las Vegas, Parx Casino in Pa., and Okada Resort Manila Bay in the Philippines. She's been in the business for 30 years, she says.

Meci said the sudden surge of potential casino projects in Orange County has put a wrench in the works as far as finding operators for the Nevele.

The Ulster County Legislature and Ulster County Executive Mike Hein unanimously support the project.

Meci says community support still sets Nevele ahead of the competition.